The Ridgecrest City Council voted on Nov. 19 to award a construction contract for the Sergeant John Penny Pool Memorial Pool Complex to AMG & Associates Inc., restoring several alternates the staff had initially removed in order to keep the project within Measure P budget parameters.

Staff presented the October bid results and recommended awarding to AMG, the lowest responsive bidder. The staff report identified a base bid and selected alternates; staff proposed removing certain alternates to bring the project within the Measure P budget. The resolution before the council authorized the city manager to execute a contract and to allocate Measure P funds for the project with a construction contingency.

Council discussion addressed timing, scope and finance: staff said a groundbreaking could be set in December with major work beginning after the new year, and estimated an 18‑month construction schedule with a potential opening by summer 2027. Finance staff reported available funds including bonds and Measure P reserves and said the project is budgeted. Staff also said about $800,000 of solar work will be contracted during the build.

Multiple public commenters urged that the council restore removed items so the pool site is completed rather than leaving the area between the pool and the senior center blighted. Council directed staff to restore Alternatives 2, 3 and 5 (outdoor area/trellis, community room configuration and interior finishes) but leave the hawk pedestrian signal (alternate) out while pursuing a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant for that element. Staff said restoring the outdoor area/trellis would add about $277,000 to the contract amount.

Mayor Boone moved to approve the amended award (restore Alternates 2, 3 and 5; exclude the hawk crosswalk); the motion was seconded and passed on roll call, 4 ayes, 1 absent. The clerk recorded the vote and staff will adjust the resolution and contract amount accordingly.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the contract documents with AMG & Associates Inc., set a firm groundbreaking date with the contractor, incorporate the alternates selected by council into the contract and continue to pursue grant funding for the hawk crosswalk.